Cheesy Chicken Orzo

Name: Cheesy Chicken Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided (2 tablespoons to cook the chicken and 1 tablespoon to cook the onions and broccoli florets)); 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into 1 inch pieces); 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (cut into 1 ½ inch bite sized pieces); 1 cup diced sweet yellow (vidalia onion); ¾ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup orzo pasta; 2½ cups chicken broth; ¾ cup heavy cream; 2½ cups cheddar-jack cheese (shredded (from an 8 ounce block))

Jenn

Oct 9, 2024

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This creamy Cheesy Chicken Orzo recipe checks all the boxes! It’s a complete meal-in-one, made with protein, carbs, and veggies, and conveniently comes together in 30 minutes using just one pot!

cheesy chicken orzo with broccoli on a large skillet.

My family goes crazy for the cozy comforts of this Cheesy Chicken Orzo dish! It’s so easy to prepare with seared chicken pieces, broccoli, and orzo pasta, all coated in a rich, creamy sauce and simmered in the same skillet.

Many of you asked for a recipe similar to my one pot chicken and rice; one that is packed with even more protein and has a higher fiber content (like my lemon chicken orzo pasta but without the zest).

This orzo chicken dish delivers all that and more! Orzo pasta provides complex carbs without spiking blood sugar. Plus, broccoli is a great way to sneak some greens into the sauce while boosting the nutrition.

This 30-minute meal is made to make your life a little easier. Fast enough to make for last-minute family dinners but fancy enough for date night, this delicious one-dish recipe is a comforting meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients Notes

Olive oil
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Chicken thighs or chicken breast tenderloins can be used in chicken orzo recipes as well.
Broccoli florets: Adds a vibrant green color as well as a boost of nutrients. You can use fresh or frozen broccoli for this cheesy orzo chicken recipe.
Yellow onion: I love the subtle sweetness of Vidalia onion because it beautifully balances the sauce’s creaminess.
Garlic powder: You can substitute the garlic powder for fresh minced garlic, however you will need to increase the amount of fresh garlic to 1 tablespoon as the fresh version will not be as concentrated in flavor as the dried version.
Dried thyme: You can certainly substitute fresh thyme leaves, however you will need to increase the amount of fresh thyme to 1 teaspoon as the fresh thyme is not as potent as the dried.
Salt
Black pepper
Ozo pasta: Acts as a hearty, absorbent component of this creamy chicken dish, soaking up the flavors of the sauce and adding a satisfying chewy, tender texture.
Chicken broth
Heavy cream: Creates a creamy, smooth texture and adds richness and indulgence to the sauce, making the dish feel comforting and luxurious.
Shredded Cheddar Jack cheese: If you prefer, you can substitute the block of cheddar-jack cheese for Colby jack or mild cheddar cheese. Parmesan cheese may also be a good choice for a slightly salty, nutty flavor.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Orzo

Prepare The Chicken Pieces: Cook the chicken in oil until no pink remains and the pieces are lightly golden. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cook The Onion: In the same skillet, add olive oil, broccoli, onion, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook until the broccoli is bright green and the onions are tender.
Simmer In The Skillet: Stir the chicken broth, heavy cream, and orzo pasta into the skillet. Bring the liquids to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer until the pasta is cooked to al dente.
Combine All Components: Add in the chicken and cheese and stir until the the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is thick and creamy.
Serve: Serve and enjoy!

Stir the chicken broth, heavy cream, and orzo pasta into the skillet. Add in the chicken and cheese and stir until the the cheese has fully melted.

Serving Suggestions

This cheesy chicken orzo is best served while warm and freshly made. As the sauce cools, it will continue to thicken and be absorbed by the orzo pasta.

This hearty chicken orzo pasta is a complete meal in itself. Serve with a side of cauliflower breadsticks or Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread to soak up any sauce left on the plate!

a cheesy chicken orzo with broccoli florets in a large skillet and a bowl of shredded cheese.

Tips & Variations

If Using Frozen Florets: You can substitute frozen broccoli florets for the fresh broccoli in this recipe. Keep in mind that you should steam the frozen florets according to the package directions, and you will not add the broccoli until the end of the cook time. Simply stir it into the pasta and sauce along with the shredded cheese and cooked chicken pieces to avoid overcooking the broccoli.
Stir the Sauce: The pasta will absorb the liquids as it cooks. Be sure to stir the pasta and liquids often to ensure they do not stick and do not burn.

Proper Storage

To Store: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for up to 3 days.
To Freeze: I do not suggest freezing this cheesy orzo pasta as the texture of the pasta, and the cheese sauce, will not be the same as when enjoyed freshly made.
To Reheat: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through.

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